International House hosts worldly dance competition
On Tuesday, the University Center auditorium was alive with the sound of music, clapping and dancing feet as UT’s International House hosted a competition of traditional and contemporary dances from around the world, all performed by UT students or organizations. The competition showcased dances from India, China, Ireland and the United States as well as featured UT’s competitive ballroom team.
The winner of the competition was the Knox Breakers dance group, representing the U.S. with a style of dancing called B-Boy highlighted by their acrobatic breakdancing moves. Second place was awarded to the Dance Miracle Girls who represented China with a mix of traditional Chinese dance and contemporary hip-hop dance.
Also featured was the Desi Tadka dance group that represented India with a colorful traditional Indian celebration dance called Garba. The Knoxville Irish Step Dancers performed a reel combining soft and hard shoes for a rhythmic dance that had the whole crowd clapping in time. The Swing Busters presented a look into history with a swing routine inspired from the 1920’s and 1930’s American jazz culture. Finally, the UT competitive ballroom team closed out with their routine to Macklemore’s song “Thrift Shop.”
Next week the International House will present Zimbabwean-Zambian culture week, starting Monday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. with a Zimbabwean-Zambian coffeehouse at the International House.
Edited by Jennifer Brake
